November 13, 2024 • 39 mins
Get ready to be inspired! In this segment of Tech Zone, Paul Amadeus Lane sits down with Steve Ewell, Executive Director of the Consumer Technology Association Foundation, to explore the exciting world of tech innovation. Steve shares insights into the CTA Foundation's Eureka Park Accessibility Contest, highlighting the groundbreaking technologies that are improving the lives of older adults and people with disabilities. Discover:
- The winning innovations from Eureka Park
- Other contests and opportunities for aspiring tech entrepreneurs
- How the CTA Foundation is supporting the next generation of tech leaders
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
In this world, the technology is ever changing, rearranging.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
You need someone to help you out. I know someone
that can be alone.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
You'll be with Paul Alma Days Lane in the Tech Zone.
Welcome back to the tech Zone. It's me Paul Almada's Lane.
I am your hostess with the mostest Welcome back to
the show. Whether you're watching us on your TV, listening
to us on radio, or catching us on your favorite podcast.
(00:32):
Thank you, Thank you so much for tuning into the show,
and don't forget you can always connect.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
With me Paul Almada's Lane.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
Dot Com all social media platforms. You can search Paul
Alma Day's Lane and you will see me in my
wheelchair doing my thing. Yes I will, Yes, I do,
Yes I am. That's me Paul Almaday's Lane. If you
miss our first segment of the show, we talked about
the potential of tariffs and tech and what that can
(01:03):
really look like. So if you missed that conversation, make
sure you check it out. You know, I love my
relationship that I have with the Consumer Technology Association. They
are the company that's responsible for putting on CEES twenty
twenty five.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
A few weeks.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Back, I interview the amazing president of the CTA Kinsey Fabrizio.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
You all enjoy that conversation. I've heard feedback about that.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
And another good friend of mine who's with the Consumer
Technology Association Foundation is Steve Yule. He is the executive
director of the Consumer Technology Association Foundation.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
You may recall the conversation he.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
And I had recently about the Eureka part contest that's
really a launch pad contest for startups out there in
the tech world. And Steve and I talked about the contest,
how once can enter the contest.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Well out he's back, he back.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
He gonna tell us about the winners, and we're gonna
hear about the amazing innovation from these winners, as well
as some other opportunities that may be out there for
those in the tech world.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
So you don't want to miss this conversation. Steve has
been responsible for me leveling up my presence in the
tech world, and that's why I appreciate him. I love
him as a brother. He is a great guy and
I really appreciate that. I'm gonna give him a hard
time too about see you. You see nice Steve whenever
(02:42):
I interview. But there's a serious business Steve too that
comes out, I'm gonna give him a hard time.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
To joke with him about that during this episode. So
sit back and relax. Let's bring him on right now.
And I am so delighted to have back with me
my good friends. Eve Yule, the executive director of the
Consumer Technology Association Foundation.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
What's going on, buddy? How you doing?
Speaker 3 (03:10):
I'm doing great, Paul.
Speaker 4 (03:12):
It is always some of my favorite times when I
get to talk to you, and especially when I get
to talk to you when we get to make some
big announcements and talk about how we're ramping up to
CUS twenty twenty five.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Do you know, my friend?
Speaker 1 (03:27):
You know, before I bought you on, I talked about
again how our path crossed and how over the years
you and I have become.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
Pretty amazing budgs together and just.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
Your impact when it comes to the assistant and adaptive technologies.
Also talked about We're going to talk about the Winter
Winter Chicken Dinner when it comes to the Weka Park
contests to Ceees twenty twenty five, Steven, I can't believe
that another year is almost gone and we are here,
So why don't you catch us up on any of
(04:02):
the late breaking news or anything that the foundation is doing,
any contests that are going on, and then but talk
about so jerik part contest?
Speaker 2 (04:11):
When is my friend?
Speaker 4 (04:13):
Okay, well you're saving the big announcement to the end there, So.
Speaker 3 (04:17):
Good with that.
Speaker 4 (04:19):
Ton happening with the Consumer Technology Association Foundation, so you
know for your listeners who don't know. Essentially, the CTA
Foundation is the charitable foundation that is affiliated with the
Consumer Technology Association, that is the organization that produces cees.
But our foundation is focused on how can technology help
(04:42):
older adults.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
And people with disabilities.
Speaker 4 (04:44):
So we work with nonprofits all over the country helping
them get access to technology that ultimately will lead to
having a positive impact on the lives of the older
adults and people with disabilities that we're trying to serve.
We've got a ton happening. We just had a great
program where we brought together disability advocates and industry members
(05:08):
in the Washington, DC area to have a big conversation
around disability employment, just as we were last month in
Disability Employment Awareness Months. So we had a great opportunity
to have conversations around that and that always leads into
a even bigger conversation that we have each year at CEES,
and I know you've had the opportunity to be part
(05:30):
of those conversations, and I can't wait to bring the
group back together at CEES build those relationships across both
industry and advocates and ultimately make products that work well
for more people. So there's a lot of exciting things
happening there. You know, we always love our competition, so
I'll save that Eureka Park competition.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
But we are in the.
Speaker 4 (05:53):
Middle of judging another brand new competition, our Innovation Challenge.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
So this is a program.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
We actually got support from the With Foundation and a
Mittebishi Electric America Foundation to run this competition focus on
health tech for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We
partnered with three different organizations, a Spiritech in Chicago, with
the Coleman Institute in Denver, and Opportunity Village in Las
(06:24):
Vegas to do focus groups with people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities on their use of health tech. The companies
have entered and essentially what they're doing is getting access
to that focus group data and then working on how
can they adapt their health tech products to better meet
(06:45):
the needs of the intellectual and developmental disability community. Based
on their feedback, We're going to pick on three or
four of them. We're inviting them to CEES. We're going
to give them a chance to sit down in person
with representatives from the community and get that last minute
feedback and then ultimately have a chance to pitch to win. Actually,
(07:06):
the grand prize winner we'll win twenty five thousand dollars
and the runner up will win fifteen thousand dollars, and
ultimately what we'll have is products that work better for
this community in the health tech space. So I'm really
excited for this. You know, we're, like I said, in
the middle of doing the reviews, so I don't have
anything to announce quite yet, but you'll be hearing from
(07:27):
me anytime now, and especially as we get to see
ES and have a chance to announce the winners there.
So that's one of our competitions. We also, you may
be familiar with a little pitch competition that we do
at CES every year.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Well, yeah, I remember that one.
Speaker 4 (07:45):
Yeah, we had Thiscu last year. You may have heard
of him, mister Paul Amadeus Lane, But we are obviously
bringing that back again this year. We're really excited this
year it's going to be a focus on AI. We've
just opened up the call for entries for the companies,
so we are if any of your listeners are startup
(08:08):
companies that are exhibiting at CEES. So they do need
to be exhibiting at CEES, but they can showcase how
their product uses AI to benefit older adults of people
with disabilities. We're looking for startups. The deadline to enter
is December fourth. Will pick usually around eight companies. They'll
(08:29):
get a chance to be on stage at ces showcasing
their product, and ultimately we will pick a grand prize winner.
We also always pull that audience because I'm always curious
to see you know, the the grand prize is chosen
by you know, we've got some really incredible investors and
others that tend to serve as our judges there experts
(08:51):
in the industry, but I always love to hear from
the audience as well what their favorite is as well,
So we'll have an audience choice winner as well.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
And you know that.
Speaker 4 (08:59):
All happen at CEES on the Wednesday of the show
January eighth, So any of your listeners that are going
to be at CEES, I encourage them to come to
Eureka Park and on the startup stage that Wednesday afternoon
from two to four. It'll be a great, great program
once again. And then one other competition we just recently
(09:22):
launched is the John and Jane Shallom Awards, so named
after our founding chair and his wife. John and Jane
were instrumental in our focus on the aging side of
our mission and really on the social connection aspect and
the importance of having social connections. So we've created this
(09:45):
award named after the two of them, and this is
an opportunity to recognize It could be an individual, it
could be a company, it could be a nonprofit organization
or academic institution, but what we you are looking for
is someone or something that has made an incredible difference
(10:06):
in social connection for older adults through the use of technology.
So you know, we've had organizations in the past that
have won this that we're you know, doing virtual senior
centers or running classes to engage individuals through the use
of technology, looking at accessible technology that can certainly help
(10:29):
people of all ages get connections. So we just opened
that up. That one's a little bit of a shorter timeline.
The deadline is November twentieth for that one, so but
if anyone is interested in that, we will actually be
recognizing the winner of that. Actually I misspoke, it's the
twenty first, November twenty first, but we will be recognizing
(10:51):
the winner of that at CS during our Pitch competition
as well. So, you know, some really incredible opportunities to recognize,
you know, innovators, recognize people that are doing good work
through the use of technology, working with some really incredible communities.
And then, last but not least I'll dive into is
(11:12):
our Eureka Park Accessibility Contest. It's hard to believe. This
is actually the ninth year that we've been running this competition,
and we've had just incredible winners over the years, but
every year. In fact, I came on your show earlier
this year asking for startups from around the US and
Canada to apply, and all we ask is showcase how
(11:36):
your startup can benefit either older adults or people with disabilities.
How can you show the yeah, the ultimate results that
can help people in their daily lives. And we've got
dozens and dozens and dozens of entries every year, we
(11:56):
managed to narrow it down to five. Each of them
is receiving a free booth in Eureka Park at CEES
getting a little bit of funding to make sure that
they can be there, and we'll give them a bunch
of intention, kind of like what I'm doing here today.
So our five winners this year, I'll list them in
alphabetical order. They are all equal winners as far as
(12:18):
we're concerned. But we start with a company called Blueberry Technology.
Blueberry's designing a essentially a self driving wheelchair. Not necessarily
the type of wheelchair that you'd be looking to replace
your chair, Paul, but this is more meant for locations
like airports or other public venues where people might need
(12:40):
a little bit of assistance getting from one location to
the next. But they're creating this really self driving, you know,
basically robot wheelchair that can get people from one location
to the next. So we're really excited to see what
there'll be a showcasing the show.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
We have a company called Lotus.
Speaker 4 (13:03):
They're a smart home company and it's really interesting. It's
a smart ring that essentially you can use and you
can point at your light switch or other devices and
be able to control even if you're not able to
necessarily get across the room and hit that switch. You're
able to do it through this smart ring that you're
(13:26):
able to wear. And one of the interesting things I
thought about it was some of the technology you can
essentially travel with it. So if you're in a hotel
and want to control your hotel room, there's opportunities to
essentially interface with some of the the lights and other
things in your room there. So really interested in seeing
that in person at CS. Next up is a company
(13:50):
called makes Sense. So we're all familiar with people who
are blind and low vision using the white cane for navigation.
What makes Sense is doing is create a handheld device,
but rather than it being an extended Kane, it's essentially
something that just fits in the hand, but through haptic
technology can give those alerts about something in front of someone,
(14:14):
you know, whether it's down on the ground or even
raised up a little bit higher like a tree branch.
It can also give directions another basically input to the
blind and low vision community. So very interested in seeing
what makes Sense is going to be able to show
at the show this year. Next is a company called
(14:35):
sign Speak. This is really interesting one and the fact
that it is two way asl interpretation. So we've seen
technology in the past that has been able to interpret
ASL sign language. So if someone signs, it might say, okay,
this is what they're saying. This does that, but then
(14:57):
it also goes the other direction, so you know, if
I was speaking to it, it basically creates an avatar
that can then sign to someone who just speaks sign language.
So I'm very curious to see, you know, having interpretation
is one of those things that you know, there's so
much demand for interpreters right now, so I'm excited to
(15:20):
see opportunities for AI technology like this to help meet
the needs where interpreters are not available. And then last
but not least is a company called solid and they
are creating essentially a set of goggles that will for
people who have macular degeneration. Essentially, they start to lose
(15:43):
vision kind of in the middle of their vision, so
you'll have kind of a big blank spot in the
middle of what you're looking at. They use some really
incredible technology to essentially help fill in that blank spot
for you, so you're able to get a better vision
of what's going on in front of you and around you,
(16:04):
and it can adapt over time as the as the
macular degeneration or other types of vision loss.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
Progresses.
Speaker 4 (16:13):
So really excited to see what they'll be showcasing as well.
So five incredible companies, you know, five companies that I
can't wait to see on the show far and to
introduce to folks like yourself.
Speaker 2 (16:27):
That's pretty amazing.
Speaker 1 (16:28):
And Steve, if you can share with us how many
applied for the Eureka Part contest was? It? Was? It
a bunch of them, And I know it's hard to
pick companies that have these amazing innovations out there? Was
it quite a few that wanted to be involved in
this competition this year?
Speaker 3 (16:46):
Oh yeah, Like I said, we get dozens and dozens.
Speaker 4 (16:48):
I want to say, you know, after we eliminated ones
that didn't meet the criteria, there were probably still thirty
or forty different entries that you know, applied for this,
So you know, there there were some really incredible companies. Honestly,
there were probably you know, many more that I would
(17:10):
have been perfectly happy having as one of our winners.
Speaker 3 (17:13):
But we've got five booths.
Speaker 4 (17:15):
So it's always that challenge and the judges struggle with this. Uh,
They're always coming back to me and saying you know,
I I you know, I have my five recommendations, but
I've got another ten that I kind of really want
to you know, have there. So that is, you know,
I feel for our judges as they work their way
through and and help pick out some of these winners.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
Now, does that mean somewhere down the line that may
get a little.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
More booths as yes, or for Rieka.
Speaker 4 (17:44):
Park or you never know, you never know, but yeah, no,
I mean the good news is, you know, some of
the ones that aren't able to they don't receive the
free booth, but we are always happy to connect them
with the opportunity to you know, buy a boot there.
We also work very closely with you know, CTA has
(18:05):
their Diversity and Inclusion program where they run a very
very similar program where they give away booths for diverse founders.
So it could be women led companies, it could be
minority led companies, so we will. One of the questions
we actually added to both our application and THEIRS this
(18:27):
year was worthy companies that applied interested in being considered
for the other competition if they weren't selected for the
one they originally applied to. So I've shared a number
of ours with them I don't think they've made the
announcement of who their winners are yet, so I haven't
seen that, but I'm very very hopeful that we'll have
(18:50):
a few more incredible accessible technologies there. In the past,
we have seen some companies come through that way as well,
so they're not necessarily are our Eureka Park accessibility winners,
but there's some incredible accessible technologies there through that other
competition as well.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
I love that. I love it, and Steve, I may
pose upon.
Speaker 1 (19:13):
You to give me a contact with that team because
I would love to have them on to talk about
talk about that contest too, because I think that's that's
something in the tech world we need more of all
these great stories, these great innovators out there who are
in an under underrepresentative communities to really get that get
get that story out there. And that's why I applaud
(19:34):
everything that's going on with the Consumer Technology Association, you know,
not on your foundation, but the whole association. You know,
it's it's just amazes me just how forward thinking the
organization is.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
And I really appreciate you you sharing that.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
I wanted to go back a little bit when you
talked about the National Disability Empowerment are Employment Empowerment Month, Nadine.
Speaker 2 (20:02):
I think that's that's what that's what we call it. Uh.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
But conversations that I've had with with the community and
others is that we're kind of confused, you know about
this month, because there's really having been a robust, robust
conversation just about what it means, what it can do,
and the objective. And that's why I'm glad Steve to
(20:27):
hear that that you're a part of a discussion you
know about this, have you can you share with us
and things that that that can be done from a
community standpoint, was like myself, who can really just make
this as big as it should be, because this is
something that that that that can can truly be transformational
(20:51):
when it comes to just industries as a whole.
Speaker 4 (20:55):
Yeah, And you know, I think that is where it's
important to have of have voices be heard. And you know,
you know in the disability community, how often the voices
of the community are are left out.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
And you know, I'm an ally of the community.
Speaker 4 (21:14):
I'm not a representative of the disability community. And what
you don't want is a bunch of people like me
just sitting around the room talking as if we're talking
on your behalf or on behalf of any other members
of the community. I'm happy to be in the room
and be part of those conversations. But that's why it
is so critical for us to engage with our partners.
(21:36):
So we do work with a number of different disability organizations.
We also work with. You know, many of the companies
we work with have disability organizations within them, disability employee
access groups and other uh you know, ergs and things
like that within their organizations and making sure that you know,
(21:59):
there's a opportunity to engage their internal resources as well.
And part of what we were really looking at this
year was what are some of those best practices to
help those employees know about resources that can help them
do their jobs. You know, there is an opportunity to
(22:21):
give people access and you know, many people aren't comfortable
claiming a disability, even if they have a disability, if
it's not a visible disability where everyone can just see it.
We often hear that, you know, they they will try
to get by for as long as possible, even if
(22:41):
they're having a really hard time hearing you talk on
a meeting or you know, reading their emails or other
content that they need to be reading. People will try
to hide it because they fear for their their jobs.
But there's so much technology out there that can really
actually help people, honestly, even you know, people of all
(23:05):
ages and abilities, uh, you know, do their jobs and
and do that work. And so that's something that we're
spending a lot of time engaging around, is what are
some of those best practices, how can we help companies?
But then ultimately, how can how can that help the
company also understand you know, they can they they shouldn't
(23:26):
be afraid to bring on, you know, people with disabilities
for different roles. There's so many opportunities and you know,
there's so many resources out there that can help get
those people with disabilities the support that.
Speaker 3 (23:43):
They need, but a lot of people just don't know
about it.
Speaker 4 (23:46):
So you know, often it's that combating the fear, combating
the unknown, you know, helping people get engaged in this
space and ultimately living up to that uh, you know,
disability mantra of nothing about us without us, So you
know that's that's kind of my focus. I'm a big
believer of you have big problems like this, you throw
(24:10):
a bunch of smart people in a room. You throw
those challenges at them, and you never know what's going
to come out of it. And I know that makes
some people nervous because they're like, but what if they
go off in some way completely who knows what what area?
Speaker 3 (24:23):
It's like? Yeah, I mean that could happen.
Speaker 4 (24:25):
But you know that's where you know, we can kind
of help engage the conversation and you know, make sure
we stay focused on, Okay, what is the problem we're
actually trying to solve here. But you know, often it's
those voices that have been left out that have the
ideas that people just have never thought of before.
Speaker 1 (24:44):
Yeah, and that's why I appreciate the Acceensibility roundtable that
you always put on each year. And I am so
delighted that over the past four years I've been able
to attend.
Speaker 2 (24:56):
And I appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (24:57):
I know, before you know, it was isn't that big,
and only certain people, you know, only had space for
certain ones. And I've always considered an honor and a
privilege to be invited back for these discussions and and
and without divulging what we what we talk about in
those in those discussions, the one thing that that I
really appreciate, Steve, is when we have these robust conversations
(25:22):
and you hear different views from from others out there
to to really get us to that one point where
assistive and adaptive technologies and the technology world in general
can kind of be on that one page and be
laser focused to really have that change, not only in
(25:42):
the industry but also when it comes to employee employer
relationship too.
Speaker 3 (25:48):
Yep. Oh absolutely.
Speaker 4 (25:50):
The other thing to raise is, you know, the disability
community is incredibly diverse. So yeah, just because I say, oh,
I know someone who's quadrupled and therefore, you know, what
works for them will work for everyone else, actually not necessarily,
So I think there's some incredible programs that do you know,
mentorship and other types of advising based on lived experience.
(26:14):
I think that is a critical piece. But also recognizing
that you know, what works for one person does not
necessarily work for everyone else out there. So that's where
we also have to have those conversations about, you know,
getting a good set of you know, what are some
of the possible solutions, but recognize that you know, any
(26:35):
one solution may not work for every person that's out
there now.
Speaker 1 (26:40):
I appreciate that because we're not a monolith. It kind
of reminds me of you know, growing up, growing up
Steve and and and you know, I'll talk to someone
from it from a different race and they said, well,
I have a black friend, and I'm like, I'm glad
you do.
Speaker 2 (26:55):
But now all the black people are the same. So
it's kind of like that when it comes to the
same community too. Oh I know this perst season a
wheelchair two. Oh great, but we're but we're all different.
Speaker 1 (27:06):
So I appreciate, appreciate you sharing it and see one
one thing as as someone who's a part of the
community and also part of advocacy and and and being
involved in making changes to the tech industry.
Speaker 2 (27:22):
Well, one thing that I noticed too, is that.
Speaker 1 (27:26):
Some of us who have the privilege to be involved
in some of these things, we're not welcoming and inviting
to others into this community. I don't know if it's
if it's because of fear of someone may take our spot,
or because here here's here's an honest assessment. When we
(27:49):
have a disability, we're inherently, inherently selfish. And I'll quantify that.
When I first got hurt. It was all about me.
My parents were and make sure I was comfortable, make
sure I had this, this, this and that, make sure
that many so I developed this myopic view of mine, mind, mine,
it's all about me, me, me, convenience for me and
(28:12):
sad to say this follows some of us, even in
the industry that we're in, to invoke some of this change.
And that's why I it's some partnerships that can really
be amazing, that can really do certain things are not
done because some of us are like, I don't know,
I don't want this person that there's still kind of
(28:33):
mind shine, still my my thunder are still my my
you know, my consultancy, what I'm doing off here because
I'm just afraid.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
Steve, I see that as a person, you know, who
is part of the community and also advocacy. Do you
notice that sometimes too.
Speaker 4 (28:50):
Paul, I'd like to tell you that was a disability thing.
I don't think that's a disability thing.
Speaker 3 (28:55):
I think that's a human thing.
Speaker 4 (28:59):
You know, it sadly happens in a lot of different communities.
But I think the first thing to do is recognize
that and you know, look at you know, where how
can we best engage the voices that are being left out.
And believe me, you know, especially having worked with a
(29:21):
number of you know, some of the disability advocate organizations
where even when they're serving the same communities, you know,
they may have different views on, you know, what should
be done in different ways. And I've made every single
mistake as far as saying the wrong thing at the
wrong time. But you know, it's a matter of learning
(29:42):
from that and adapting and growing and engaging.
Speaker 3 (29:46):
And yeah, I mean it is. It's a challenge. You know.
Speaker 4 (29:51):
You mentioned our Accessibility roundtable and that really it started
from I think six people sitting on a couch during
cees and just having conversation about what was working and
what was not, and over years has grown. And for
a long time I would cap the size of the
room because to have a good conversation, I felt like,
you know, having more than fifty people in the room
(30:12):
was going to be hard to have that conversation. Last
year we experimented with taking the cap off and we
had about.
Speaker 3 (30:21):
Eighty people in that room.
Speaker 4 (30:23):
I did notice a change in the conversation, but we
also had a lot of voices that were not typically there.
So this year we're going to not have a cap
on it. Again, well, I guess there there's a cap
as far as the room I think can hold up
to one hundred people, so you know, still not going to.
Speaker 3 (30:40):
Get everyone there.
Speaker 4 (30:42):
But you know, that is something that I struggle with
because I want to make sure as many voices have
the opportunity to be heard as possible. But I also
recognize that when you have one hundred people in a room,
there's a lot of people who will never speak in
a room with one hundred people, even if they have
some really important things to say, They're not going to
(31:03):
be the one to raise their hand and say, Hey,
I want to put myself out there and share my
experience and my ideas. So we need to find ways
to give people the opportunity to raise those sorts of
ideas as well as include as many voices. And I'll
(31:25):
tell you I haven't solved this yet. I wish I had. Hey,
any of your listeners have the right solution, I'd love
to hear it. But yeah, I think there's more to
be done.
Speaker 1 (31:36):
Yeah, and one thing I appreciate Steve. You know, the
audience they see Steve the smile on his faith. He's
an awesome guy. Steve is one of the salt of
the earth guys out there that I have known. I
consider him a good friend and amazing human. But you
bed and not cross him in that room. Steve would
be like, nope, nope, nope, nope, Steve is not all business.
(31:57):
Steve is all business in that room. So I appreciate
that about you, Steve, because you make sure that the
trains run on time and that that we're going to
continue on a discussion. And I really really admire that
about you, Steve.
Speaker 4 (32:10):
Well, I appreciate it. Uh you know you're sharing that
I'm not just a nice guy. Uh, you know, letting
the secret out. But no, you know, we we do.
We do need to run those things somewhat efficiently. But
uh no, I love doing it. So I'm always I
love engaging the community. So uh and thank you for
(32:31):
your participation in.
Speaker 1 (32:32):
It now and again, I appreciate the honor and privilege
that you you have given me over the years to
be a part of it.
Speaker 2 (32:38):
And so, Steve, before I let you go, is there
anything else you'd.
Speaker 1 (32:41):
Like to share or our recap kind of like the contest,
just in case ones are tuning in later In the
in our discussion. Who is listening UH and watching it live,
you might want to do a brief recap of the
things that we discussed so far with the competitions and
and and all the other great stuff happening.
Speaker 4 (33:00):
Absolutely so, I'll tell people two websites to go to.
First and foremost CES dot tech UH. That is the
CS website. You can see all of the great content
that's coming together there. You'll see, you know, exhibitors are
going up there as well. You're gonna see a lot
of great things that we've got planned for early January
(33:23):
in Las Vegas. The other site is CTA Foundation dot
tech and that's dot t e h on there. On
that homepage you'll see links to all the different competitions
and everything that we've got planned and happening at CES UH.
So you will see our Eureka Park accessibility winners. In fact,
(33:45):
you can go on that page and see all of
the previous winners as well. So it's a great way
to go back through, you know, previous years and see
what technologies have been selected over the years. You'll see
on that page as well our pitch competition and if
you have a technology, if you're exhibiting at CEES and
(34:06):
your technology involves AI helping improve the lives of older
adults or people with disabilities. You have until December fourth
to apply and have an opportunity, opportunity to be on
stage at CES and pitch your company to an incredible audience.
You will have the opportunity or you also see on
(34:26):
there the John and Jane Shallom Award, and we're looking
for you know, as I said, this could be a
wide variety of different potential winners, but really think of
this as you know, almost a lifetime achievement, someone or
something that has just made an incredible impact on addressing
social isolation, particularly for older adults.
Speaker 3 (34:49):
And then you can.
Speaker 4 (34:51):
Also see, you know, all the other types of events,
activities and programs that we're going to be doing at
c And yeah, I look forward to seeing you there, Paul,
and seeing so many other great people at CES twenty
twenty five.
Speaker 1 (35:11):
And Steve, we are too. And what are you most
looking forward to seeing at this year's CES twenty twenty five?
Speaker 4 (35:24):
You know, well, on two things. I can't pick just
one smart home area. I love smart home. I just
like seeing all the different options that people are having.
I don't even have that smart of a home, but
I'm always curious to see kind of what are those
new innovations that are coming out that really give people
(35:47):
the opportunity to control their environment around them. I think
it also plays a major role in things like caregiving,
which is such a big issue in our country right now.
So being able to have greater control of one's home,
I think also makes a big difference in how we
live and age and you know, experience different disabilities, experience
(36:11):
other challenges. So I'm always excited to see what smart
home technologies will be there.
Speaker 3 (36:16):
The others just I'll.
Speaker 4 (36:17):
Say Eureka Park in general, because we'll have fourteen hundred
plus startups there from all over the world.
Speaker 3 (36:24):
And the thing I love about.
Speaker 4 (36:25):
Eureka Park is I'll have no idea going into the
show what I'm going to see there, but you just
kind of.
Speaker 3 (36:31):
Come down a row and who knows.
Speaker 4 (36:35):
What you're going to encounter there. So that unknown is
one of my favorite parts of CES.
Speaker 2 (36:42):
I'm with you, brother, I am with you. You know
I love Eureka Park.
Speaker 1 (36:45):
You know what impresses me about Eureka Park is you
have companies from parts of the world where conflicts are
going on, not the best situations or circumstances, and they're
there showing off their innovation.
Speaker 2 (37:02):
Steve, that that just blows my mind.
Speaker 1 (37:05):
You know when I see ones like that, you know,
continuing to pursue their dream, to share their their vision,
their innovation with the world, and it's really awesome. And
I went to you looking forward to smart homes in
Eureka Park too. That's why great minds I think alike.
He is the executive director of the Consumer Technology Association Foundation.
Speaker 2 (37:28):
My good friend, Steven, you'll.
Speaker 1 (37:29):
Steve always great to see you, and please stay healthy,
stay safe and well. I'm sure we'll talk soon before
CEES twenty twenty five.
Speaker 3 (37:40):
Thank you, Paul. Great talking with you.
Speaker 1 (37:43):
That was my amazing friend, the executive director of the
Consumer Technology Association, my man, Steve. You'll love talking to
him about the Eureka Park contest winners. Hopefully you will
get a few of those winners on the show. You'll
get a chance to meet them too, and if you're
going to be attending CEES twenty twenty five, you get
(38:05):
to check them out yourself. So always great hearing about
the other opportunities that CTA and the Foundation are putting
on for the tech world. They really really foster innovation
out there for the tech world. So can't wait to
catch up with him much much more so, hey does
recap our show. Remember we talked about tariffs in the
(38:28):
beginning of the show and what impact I can have
on the tech world and more importantly consumers out there.
And so I'm going to be talking about tariffs a lot.
I never thought that I would, but I am, especially
when it comes to the tech world and what it
means for tech innovation and more importantly, you guys out there,
the consumer when it comes to spending your money on tech.
(38:50):
So I'm going to be keeping my eye on that
and can't forget my chat with the Great Steven Yale.
So it's time for me to make it like a
tree and get out of here. But until next time,
do me a favor, Stay healthy, stay safe, and remember
I love y'all to life.
Speaker 2 (39:08):
Until next time, stay well. Everybody.
Speaker 1 (39:12):
In this world of technology, things are ever changing, rearranging.
Speaker 2 (39:17):
You need someone to help you out. I need someone
that can be alone. You'll be with Paul.
Speaker 1 (39:23):
I'm a day slaying in the tech zone.
In this world, the technology is ever changing, rearranging.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
You need someone to help you out. I know someone
that can be alone.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
You'll be with Paul Alma Days Lane in the Tech Zone.
Welcome back to the tech Zone. It's me Paul Almada's Lane.
I am your hostess with the mostest Welcome back to
the show. Whether you're watching us on your TV, listening
to us on radio, or catching us on your favorite podcast.
(00:32):
Thank you, Thank you so much for tuning into the show,
and don't forget you can always connect.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
With me Paul Almada's Lane.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
Dot Com all social media platforms. You can search Paul
Alma Day's Lane and you will see me in my
wheelchair doing my thing. Yes I will, Yes, I do,
Yes I am. That's me Paul Almaday's Lane. If you
miss our first segment of the show, we talked about
the potential of tariffs and tech and what that can
(01:03):
really look like. So if you missed that conversation, make
sure you check it out. You know, I love my
relationship that I have with the Consumer Technology Association. They
are the company that's responsible for putting on CEES twenty
twenty five.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
A few weeks.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Back, I interview the amazing president of the CTA Kinsey Fabrizio.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
You all enjoy that conversation. I've heard feedback about that.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
And another good friend of mine who's with the Consumer
Technology Association Foundation is Steve Yule. He is the executive
director of the Consumer Technology Association Foundation.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
You may recall the conversation he.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
And I had recently about the Eureka part contest that's
really a launch pad contest for startups out there in
the tech world. And Steve and I talked about the contest,
how once can enter the contest.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Well out he's back, he back.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
He gonna tell us about the winners, and we're gonna
hear about the amazing innovation from these winners, as well
as some other opportunities that may be out there for
those in the tech world.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
So you don't want to miss this conversation. Steve has
been responsible for me leveling up my presence in the
tech world, and that's why I appreciate him. I love
him as a brother. He is a great guy and
I really appreciate that. I'm gonna give him a hard
time too about see you. You see nice Steve whenever
(02:42):
I interview. But there's a serious business Steve too that
comes out, I'm gonna give him a hard time.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
To joke with him about that during this episode. So
sit back and relax. Let's bring him on right now.
And I am so delighted to have back with me
my good friends. Eve Yule, the executive director of the
Consumer Technology Association Foundation.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
What's going on, buddy? How you doing?
Speaker 3 (03:10):
I'm doing great, Paul.
Speaker 4 (03:12):
It is always some of my favorite times when I
get to talk to you, and especially when I get
to talk to you when we get to make some
big announcements and talk about how we're ramping up to
CUS twenty twenty five.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Do you know, my friend?
Speaker 1 (03:27):
You know, before I bought you on, I talked about
again how our path crossed and how over the years
you and I have become.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
Pretty amazing budgs together and just.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
Your impact when it comes to the assistant and adaptive technologies.
Also talked about We're going to talk about the Winter
Winter Chicken Dinner when it comes to the Weka Park
contests to Ceees twenty twenty five, Steven, I can't believe
that another year is almost gone and we are here,
So why don't you catch us up on any of
(04:02):
the late breaking news or anything that the foundation is doing,
any contests that are going on, and then but talk
about so jerik part contest?
Speaker 2 (04:11):
When is my friend?
Speaker 4 (04:13):
Okay, well you're saving the big announcement to the end there, So.
Speaker 3 (04:17):
Good with that.
Speaker 4 (04:19):
Ton happening with the Consumer Technology Association Foundation, so you
know for your listeners who don't know. Essentially, the CTA
Foundation is the charitable foundation that is affiliated with the
Consumer Technology Association, that is the organization that produces cees.
But our foundation is focused on how can technology help
(04:42):
older adults.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
And people with disabilities.
Speaker 4 (04:44):
So we work with nonprofits all over the country helping
them get access to technology that ultimately will lead to
having a positive impact on the lives of the older
adults and people with disabilities that we're trying to serve.
We've got a ton happening. We just had a great
program where we brought together disability advocates and industry members
(05:08):
in the Washington, DC area to have a big conversation
around disability employment, just as we were last month in
Disability Employment Awareness Months. So we had a great opportunity
to have conversations around that and that always leads into
a even bigger conversation that we have each year at CEES,
and I know you've had the opportunity to be part
(05:30):
of those conversations, and I can't wait to bring the
group back together at CEES build those relationships across both
industry and advocates and ultimately make products that work well
for more people. So there's a lot of exciting things
happening there. You know, we always love our competition, so
I'll save that Eureka Park competition.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
But we are in the.
Speaker 4 (05:53):
Middle of judging another brand new competition, our Innovation Challenge.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
So this is a program.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
We actually got support from the With Foundation and a
Mittebishi Electric America Foundation to run this competition focus on
health tech for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We
partnered with three different organizations, a Spiritech in Chicago, with
the Coleman Institute in Denver, and Opportunity Village in Las
(06:24):
Vegas to do focus groups with people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities on their use of health tech. The companies
have entered and essentially what they're doing is getting access
to that focus group data and then working on how
can they adapt their health tech products to better meet
(06:45):
the needs of the intellectual and developmental disability community. Based
on their feedback, We're going to pick on three or
four of them. We're inviting them to CEES. We're going
to give them a chance to sit down in person
with representatives from the community and get that last minute
feedback and then ultimately have a chance to pitch to win. Actually,
(07:06):
the grand prize winner we'll win twenty five thousand dollars
and the runner up will win fifteen thousand dollars, and
ultimately what we'll have is products that work better for
this community in the health tech space. So I'm really
excited for this. You know, we're, like I said, in
the middle of doing the reviews, so I don't have
anything to announce quite yet, but you'll be hearing from
(07:27):
me anytime now, and especially as we get to see
ES and have a chance to announce the winners there.
So that's one of our competitions. We also, you may
be familiar with a little pitch competition that we do
at CES every year.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Well, yeah, I remember that one.
Speaker 4 (07:45):
Yeah, we had Thiscu last year. You may have heard
of him, mister Paul Amadeus Lane, But we are obviously
bringing that back again this year. We're really excited this
year it's going to be a focus on AI. We've
just opened up the call for entries for the companies,
so we are if any of your listeners are startup
(08:08):
companies that are exhibiting at CEES. So they do need
to be exhibiting at CEES, but they can showcase how
their product uses AI to benefit older adults of people
with disabilities. We're looking for startups. The deadline to enter
is December fourth. Will pick usually around eight companies. They'll
(08:29):
get a chance to be on stage at ces showcasing
their product, and ultimately we will pick a grand prize winner.
We also always pull that audience because I'm always curious
to see you know, the the grand prize is chosen
by you know, we've got some really incredible investors and
others that tend to serve as our judges there experts
(08:51):
in the industry, but I always love to hear from
the audience as well what their favorite is as well,
So we'll have an audience choice winner as well.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
And you know that.
Speaker 4 (08:59):
All happen at CEES on the Wednesday of the show
January eighth, So any of your listeners that are going
to be at CEES, I encourage them to come to
Eureka Park and on the startup stage that Wednesday afternoon
from two to four. It'll be a great, great program
once again. And then one other competition we just recently
(09:22):
launched is the John and Jane Shallom Awards, so named
after our founding chair and his wife. John and Jane
were instrumental in our focus on the aging side of
our mission and really on the social connection aspect and
the importance of having social connections. So we've created this
(09:45):
award named after the two of them, and this is
an opportunity to recognize It could be an individual, it
could be a company, it could be a nonprofit organization
or academic institution, but what we you are looking for
is someone or something that has made an incredible difference
(10:06):
in social connection for older adults through the use of technology.
So you know, we've had organizations in the past that
have won this that we're you know, doing virtual senior
centers or running classes to engage individuals through the use
of technology, looking at accessible technology that can certainly help
(10:29):
people of all ages get connections. So we just opened
that up. That one's a little bit of a shorter timeline.
The deadline is November twentieth for that one, so but
if anyone is interested in that, we will actually be
recognizing the winner of that. Actually I misspoke, it's the
twenty first, November twenty first, but we will be recognizing
(10:51):
the winner of that at CS during our Pitch competition
as well. So, you know, some really incredible opportunities to recognize,
you know, innovators, recognize people that are doing good work
through the use of technology, working with some really incredible communities.
And then, last but not least I'll dive into is
(11:12):
our Eureka Park Accessibility Contest. It's hard to believe. This
is actually the ninth year that we've been running this competition,
and we've had just incredible winners over the years, but
every year. In fact, I came on your show earlier
this year asking for startups from around the US and
Canada to apply, and all we ask is showcase how
(11:36):
your startup can benefit either older adults or people with disabilities.
How can you show the yeah, the ultimate results that
can help people in their daily lives. And we've got
dozens and dozens and dozens of entries every year, we
(11:56):
managed to narrow it down to five. Each of them
is receiving a free booth in Eureka Park at CEES
getting a little bit of funding to make sure that
they can be there, and we'll give them a bunch
of intention, kind of like what I'm doing here today.
So our five winners this year, I'll list them in
alphabetical order. They are all equal winners as far as
(12:18):
we're concerned. But we start with a company called Blueberry Technology.
Blueberry's designing a essentially a self driving wheelchair. Not necessarily
the type of wheelchair that you'd be looking to replace
your chair, Paul, but this is more meant for locations
like airports or other public venues where people might need
(12:40):
a little bit of assistance getting from one location to
the next. But they're creating this really self driving, you know,
basically robot wheelchair that can get people from one location
to the next. So we're really excited to see what
there'll be a showcasing the show.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
We have a company called Lotus.
Speaker 4 (13:03):
They're a smart home company and it's really interesting. It's
a smart ring that essentially you can use and you
can point at your light switch or other devices and
be able to control even if you're not able to
necessarily get across the room and hit that switch. You're
able to do it through this smart ring that you're
(13:26):
able to wear. And one of the interesting things I
thought about it was some of the technology you can
essentially travel with it. So if you're in a hotel
and want to control your hotel room, there's opportunities to
essentially interface with some of the the lights and other
things in your room there. So really interested in seeing
that in person at CS. Next up is a company
(13:50):
called makes Sense. So we're all familiar with people who
are blind and low vision using the white cane for navigation.
What makes Sense is doing is create a handheld device,
but rather than it being an extended Kane, it's essentially
something that just fits in the hand, but through haptic
technology can give those alerts about something in front of someone,
(14:14):
you know, whether it's down on the ground or even
raised up a little bit higher like a tree branch.
It can also give directions another basically input to the
blind and low vision community. So very interested in seeing
what makes Sense is going to be able to show
at the show this year. Next is a company called
(14:35):
sign Speak. This is really interesting one and the fact
that it is two way asl interpretation. So we've seen
technology in the past that has been able to interpret
ASL sign language. So if someone signs, it might say, okay,
this is what they're saying. This does that, but then
(14:57):
it also goes the other direction, so you know, if
I was speaking to it, it basically creates an avatar
that can then sign to someone who just speaks sign language.
So I'm very curious to see, you know, having interpretation
is one of those things that you know, there's so
much demand for interpreters right now, so I'm excited to
(15:20):
see opportunities for AI technology like this to help meet
the needs where interpreters are not available. And then last
but not least is a company called solid and they
are creating essentially a set of goggles that will for
people who have macular degeneration. Essentially, they start to lose
(15:43):
vision kind of in the middle of their vision, so
you'll have kind of a big blank spot in the
middle of what you're looking at. They use some really
incredible technology to essentially help fill in that blank spot
for you, so you're able to get a better vision
of what's going on in front of you and around you,
(16:04):
and it can adapt over time as the as the
macular degeneration or other types of vision loss.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
Progresses.
Speaker 4 (16:13):
So really excited to see what they'll be showcasing as well.
So five incredible companies, you know, five companies that I
can't wait to see on the show far and to
introduce to folks like yourself.
Speaker 2 (16:27):
That's pretty amazing.
Speaker 1 (16:28):
And Steve, if you can share with us how many
applied for the Eureka Part contest was? It? Was? It
a bunch of them, And I know it's hard to
pick companies that have these amazing innovations out there? Was
it quite a few that wanted to be involved in
this competition this year?
Speaker 3 (16:46):
Oh yeah, Like I said, we get dozens and dozens.
Speaker 4 (16:48):
I want to say, you know, after we eliminated ones
that didn't meet the criteria, there were probably still thirty
or forty different entries that you know, applied for this,
So you know, there there were some really incredible companies. Honestly,
there were probably you know, many more that I would
(17:10):
have been perfectly happy having as one of our winners.
Speaker 3 (17:13):
But we've got five booths.
Speaker 4 (17:15):
So it's always that challenge and the judges struggle with this. Uh,
They're always coming back to me and saying you know,
I I you know, I have my five recommendations, but
I've got another ten that I kind of really want
to you know, have there. So that is, you know,
I feel for our judges as they work their way
through and and help pick out some of these winners.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
Now, does that mean somewhere down the line that may
get a little.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
More booths as yes, or for Rieka.
Speaker 4 (17:44):
Park or you never know, you never know, but yeah, no,
I mean the good news is, you know, some of
the ones that aren't able to they don't receive the
free booth, but we are always happy to connect them
with the opportunity to you know, buy a boot there.
We also work very closely with you know, CTA has
(18:05):
their Diversity and Inclusion program where they run a very
very similar program where they give away booths for diverse founders.
So it could be women led companies, it could be
minority led companies, so we will. One of the questions
we actually added to both our application and THEIRS this
(18:27):
year was worthy companies that applied interested in being considered
for the other competition if they weren't selected for the
one they originally applied to. So I've shared a number
of ours with them I don't think they've made the
announcement of who their winners are yet, so I haven't
seen that, but I'm very very hopeful that we'll have
(18:50):
a few more incredible accessible technologies there. In the past,
we have seen some companies come through that way as well,
so they're not necessarily are our Eureka Park accessibility winners,
but there's some incredible accessible technologies there through that other
competition as well.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
I love that. I love it, and Steve, I may
pose upon.
Speaker 1 (19:13):
You to give me a contact with that team because
I would love to have them on to talk about
talk about that contest too, because I think that's that's
something in the tech world we need more of all
these great stories, these great innovators out there who are
in an under underrepresentative communities to really get that get
get that story out there. And that's why I applaud
(19:34):
everything that's going on with the Consumer Technology Association, you know,
not on your foundation, but the whole association. You know,
it's it's just amazes me just how forward thinking the
organization is.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
And I really appreciate you you sharing that.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
I wanted to go back a little bit when you
talked about the National Disability Empowerment are Employment Empowerment Month, Nadine.
Speaker 2 (20:02):
I think that's that's what that's what we call it. Uh.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
But conversations that I've had with with the community and
others is that we're kind of confused, you know about
this month, because there's really having been a robust, robust
conversation just about what it means, what it can do,
and the objective. And that's why I'm glad Steve to
(20:27):
hear that that you're a part of a discussion you
know about this, have you can you share with us
and things that that that can be done from a
community standpoint, was like myself, who can really just make
this as big as it should be, because this is
something that that that that can can truly be transformational
(20:51):
when it comes to just industries as a whole.
Speaker 4 (20:55):
Yeah, And you know, I think that is where it's
important to have of have voices be heard. And you know,
you know in the disability community, how often the voices
of the community are are left out.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
And you know, I'm an ally of the community.
Speaker 4 (21:14):
I'm not a representative of the disability community. And what
you don't want is a bunch of people like me
just sitting around the room talking as if we're talking
on your behalf or on behalf of any other members
of the community. I'm happy to be in the room
and be part of those conversations. But that's why it
is so critical for us to engage with our partners.
(21:36):
So we do work with a number of different disability organizations.
We also work with. You know, many of the companies
we work with have disability organizations within them, disability employee
access groups and other uh you know, ergs and things
like that within their organizations and making sure that you know,
(21:59):
there's a opportunity to engage their internal resources as well.
And part of what we were really looking at this
year was what are some of those best practices to
help those employees know about resources that can help them
do their jobs. You know, there is an opportunity to
(22:21):
give people access and you know, many people aren't comfortable
claiming a disability, even if they have a disability, if
it's not a visible disability where everyone can just see it.
We often hear that, you know, they they will try
to get by for as long as possible, even if
(22:41):
they're having a really hard time hearing you talk on
a meeting or you know, reading their emails or other
content that they need to be reading. People will try
to hide it because they fear for their their jobs.
But there's so much technology out there that can really
actually help people, honestly, even you know, people of all
(23:05):
ages and abilities, uh, you know, do their jobs and
and do that work. And so that's something that we're
spending a lot of time engaging around, is what are
some of those best practices, how can we help companies?
But then ultimately, how can how can that help the
company also understand you know, they can they they shouldn't
(23:26):
be afraid to bring on, you know, people with disabilities
for different roles. There's so many opportunities and you know,
there's so many resources out there that can help get
those people with disabilities the support that.
Speaker 3 (23:43):
They need, but a lot of people just don't know
about it.
Speaker 4 (23:46):
So you know, often it's that combating the fear, combating
the unknown, you know, helping people get engaged in this
space and ultimately living up to that uh, you know,
disability mantra of nothing about us without us, So you
know that's that's kind of my focus. I'm a big
believer of you have big problems like this, you throw
(24:10):
a bunch of smart people in a room. You throw
those challenges at them, and you never know what's going
to come out of it. And I know that makes
some people nervous because they're like, but what if they
go off in some way completely who knows what what area?
Speaker 3 (24:23):
It's like? Yeah, I mean that could happen.
Speaker 4 (24:25):
But you know that's where you know, we can kind
of help engage the conversation and you know, make sure
we stay focused on, Okay, what is the problem we're
actually trying to solve here. But you know, often it's
those voices that have been left out that have the
ideas that people just have never thought of before.
Speaker 1 (24:44):
Yeah, and that's why I appreciate the Acceensibility roundtable that
you always put on each year. And I am so
delighted that over the past four years I've been able
to attend.
Speaker 2 (24:56):
And I appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (24:57):
I know, before you know, it was isn't that big,
and only certain people, you know, only had space for
certain ones. And I've always considered an honor and a
privilege to be invited back for these discussions and and
and without divulging what we what we talk about in
those in those discussions, the one thing that that I
really appreciate, Steve, is when we have these robust conversations
(25:22):
and you hear different views from from others out there
to to really get us to that one point where
assistive and adaptive technologies and the technology world in general
can kind of be on that one page and be
laser focused to really have that change, not only in
(25:42):
the industry but also when it comes to employee employer
relationship too.
Speaker 3 (25:48):
Yep. Oh absolutely.
Speaker 4 (25:50):
The other thing to raise is, you know, the disability
community is incredibly diverse. So yeah, just because I say, oh,
I know someone who's quadrupled and therefore, you know, what
works for them will work for everyone else, actually not necessarily,
So I think there's some incredible programs that do you know,
mentorship and other types of advising based on lived experience.
(26:14):
I think that is a critical piece. But also recognizing
that you know, what works for one person does not
necessarily work for everyone else out there. So that's where
we also have to have those conversations about, you know,
getting a good set of you know, what are some
of the possible solutions, but recognize that you know, any
(26:35):
one solution may not work for every person that's out
there now.
Speaker 1 (26:40):
I appreciate that because we're not a monolith. It kind
of reminds me of you know, growing up, growing up
Steve and and and you know, I'll talk to someone
from it from a different race and they said, well,
I have a black friend, and I'm like, I'm glad
you do.
Speaker 2 (26:55):
But now all the black people are the same. So
it's kind of like that when it comes to the
same community too. Oh I know this perst season a
wheelchair two. Oh great, but we're but we're all different.
Speaker 1 (27:06):
So I appreciate, appreciate you sharing it and see one
one thing as as someone who's a part of the
community and also part of advocacy and and and being
involved in making changes to the tech industry.
Speaker 2 (27:22):
Well, one thing that I noticed too, is that.
Speaker 1 (27:26):
Some of us who have the privilege to be involved
in some of these things, we're not welcoming and inviting
to others into this community. I don't know if it's
if it's because of fear of someone may take our spot,
or because here here's here's an honest assessment. When we
(27:49):
have a disability, we're inherently, inherently selfish. And I'll quantify that.
When I first got hurt. It was all about me.
My parents were and make sure I was comfortable, make
sure I had this, this, this and that, make sure
that many so I developed this myopic view of mine, mind, mine,
it's all about me, me, me, convenience for me and
(28:12):
sad to say this follows some of us, even in
the industry that we're in, to invoke some of this change.
And that's why I it's some partnerships that can really
be amazing, that can really do certain things are not
done because some of us are like, I don't know,
I don't want this person that there's still kind of
(28:33):
mind shine, still my my thunder are still my my
you know, my consultancy, what I'm doing off here because
I'm just afraid.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
Steve, I see that as a person, you know, who
is part of the community and also advocacy. Do you
notice that sometimes too.
Speaker 4 (28:50):
Paul, I'd like to tell you that was a disability thing.
I don't think that's a disability thing.
Speaker 3 (28:55):
I think that's a human thing.
Speaker 4 (28:59):
You know, it sadly happens in a lot of different communities.
But I think the first thing to do is recognize
that and you know, look at you know, where how
can we best engage the voices that are being left out.
And believe me, you know, especially having worked with a
(29:21):
number of you know, some of the disability advocate organizations
where even when they're serving the same communities, you know,
they may have different views on, you know, what should
be done in different ways. And I've made every single
mistake as far as saying the wrong thing at the
wrong time. But you know, it's a matter of learning
(29:42):
from that and adapting and growing and engaging.
Speaker 3 (29:46):
And yeah, I mean it is. It's a challenge. You know.
Speaker 4 (29:51):
You mentioned our Accessibility roundtable and that really it started
from I think six people sitting on a couch during
cees and just having conversation about what was working and
what was not, and over years has grown. And for
a long time I would cap the size of the
room because to have a good conversation, I felt like,
you know, having more than fifty people in the room
(30:12):
was going to be hard to have that conversation. Last
year we experimented with taking the cap off and we
had about.
Speaker 3 (30:21):
Eighty people in that room.
Speaker 4 (30:23):
I did notice a change in the conversation, but we
also had a lot of voices that were not typically there.
So this year we're going to not have a cap
on it. Again, well, I guess there there's a cap
as far as the room I think can hold up
to one hundred people, so you know, still not going to.
Speaker 3 (30:40):
Get everyone there.
Speaker 4 (30:42):
But you know, that is something that I struggle with
because I want to make sure as many voices have
the opportunity to be heard as possible. But I also
recognize that when you have one hundred people in a room,
there's a lot of people who will never speak in
a room with one hundred people, even if they have
some really important things to say, They're not going to
(31:03):
be the one to raise their hand and say, Hey,
I want to put myself out there and share my
experience and my ideas. So we need to find ways
to give people the opportunity to raise those sorts of
ideas as well as include as many voices. And I'll
(31:25):
tell you I haven't solved this yet. I wish I had. Hey,
any of your listeners have the right solution, I'd love
to hear it. But yeah, I think there's more to
be done.
Speaker 1 (31:36):
Yeah, and one thing I appreciate Steve. You know, the
audience they see Steve the smile on his faith. He's
an awesome guy. Steve is one of the salt of
the earth guys out there that I have known. I
consider him a good friend and amazing human. But you
bed and not cross him in that room. Steve would
be like, nope, nope, nope, nope, Steve is not all business.
(31:57):
Steve is all business in that room. So I appreciate
that about you, Steve, because you make sure that the
trains run on time and that that we're going to
continue on a discussion. And I really really admire that
about you, Steve.
Speaker 4 (32:10):
Well, I appreciate it. Uh you know you're sharing that
I'm not just a nice guy. Uh, you know, letting
the secret out. But no, you know, we we do.
We do need to run those things somewhat efficiently. But
uh no, I love doing it. So I'm always I
love engaging the community. So uh and thank you for
(32:31):
your participation in.
Speaker 1 (32:32):
It now and again, I appreciate the honor and privilege
that you you have given me over the years to
be a part of it.
Speaker 2 (32:38):
And so, Steve, before I let you go, is there
anything else you'd.
Speaker 1 (32:41):
Like to share or our recap kind of like the contest,
just in case ones are tuning in later In the
in our discussion. Who is listening UH and watching it live,
you might want to do a brief recap of the
things that we discussed so far with the competitions and
and and all the other great stuff happening.
Speaker 4 (33:00):
Absolutely so, I'll tell people two websites to go to.
First and foremost CES dot tech UH. That is the
CS website. You can see all of the great content
that's coming together there. You'll see, you know, exhibitors are
going up there as well. You're gonna see a lot
of great things that we've got planned for early January
(33:23):
in Las Vegas. The other site is CTA Foundation dot
tech and that's dot t e h on there. On
that homepage you'll see links to all the different competitions
and everything that we've got planned and happening at CES UH.
So you will see our Eureka Park accessibility winners. In fact,
(33:45):
you can go on that page and see all of
the previous winners as well. So it's a great way
to go back through, you know, previous years and see
what technologies have been selected over the years. You'll see
on that page as well our pitch competition and if
you have a technology, if you're exhibiting at CEES and
(34:06):
your technology involves AI helping improve the lives of older
adults or people with disabilities. You have until December fourth
to apply and have an opportunity, opportunity to be on
stage at CES and pitch your company to an incredible audience.
You will have the opportunity or you also see on
(34:26):
there the John and Jane Shallom Award, and we're looking
for you know, as I said, this could be a
wide variety of different potential winners, but really think of
this as you know, almost a lifetime achievement, someone or
something that has just made an incredible impact on addressing
social isolation, particularly for older adults.
Speaker 3 (34:49):
And then you can.
Speaker 4 (34:51):
Also see, you know, all the other types of events,
activities and programs that we're going to be doing at
c And yeah, I look forward to seeing you there, Paul,
and seeing so many other great people at CES twenty
twenty five.
Speaker 1 (35:11):
And Steve, we are too. And what are you most
looking forward to seeing at this year's CES twenty twenty five?
Speaker 4 (35:24):
You know, well, on two things. I can't pick just
one smart home area. I love smart home. I just
like seeing all the different options that people are having.
I don't even have that smart of a home, but
I'm always curious to see kind of what are those
new innovations that are coming out that really give people
(35:47):
the opportunity to control their environment around them. I think
it also plays a major role in things like caregiving,
which is such a big issue in our country right now.
So being able to have greater control of one's home,
I think also makes a big difference in how we
live and age and you know, experience different disabilities, experience
(36:11):
other challenges. So I'm always excited to see what smart
home technologies will be there.
Speaker 3 (36:16):
The others just I'll.
Speaker 4 (36:17):
Say Eureka Park in general, because we'll have fourteen hundred
plus startups there from all over the world.
Speaker 3 (36:24):
And the thing I love about.
Speaker 4 (36:25):
Eureka Park is I'll have no idea going into the
show what I'm going to see there, but you just
kind of.
Speaker 3 (36:31):
Come down a row and who knows.
Speaker 4 (36:35):
What you're going to encounter there. So that unknown is
one of my favorite parts of CES.
Speaker 2 (36:42):
I'm with you, brother, I am with you. You know
I love Eureka Park.
Speaker 1 (36:45):
You know what impresses me about Eureka Park is you
have companies from parts of the world where conflicts are
going on, not the best situations or circumstances, and they're
there showing off their innovation.
Speaker 2 (37:02):
Steve, that that just blows my mind.
Speaker 1 (37:05):
You know when I see ones like that, you know,
continuing to pursue their dream, to share their their vision,
their innovation with the world, and it's really awesome. And
I went to you looking forward to smart homes in
Eureka Park too. That's why great minds I think alike.
He is the executive director of the Consumer Technology Association Foundation.
Speaker 2 (37:28):
My good friend, Steven, you'll.
Speaker 1 (37:29):
Steve always great to see you, and please stay healthy,
stay safe and well. I'm sure we'll talk soon before
CEES twenty twenty five.
Speaker 3 (37:40):
Thank you, Paul. Great talking with you.
Speaker 1 (37:43):
That was my amazing friend, the executive director of the
Consumer Technology Association, my man, Steve. You'll love talking to
him about the Eureka Park contest winners. Hopefully you will
get a few of those winners on the show. You'll
get a chance to meet them too, and if you're
going to be attending CEES twenty twenty five, you get
(38:05):
to check them out yourself. So always great hearing about
the other opportunities that CTA and the Foundation are putting
on for the tech world. They really really foster innovation
out there for the tech world. So can't wait to
catch up with him much much more so, hey does
recap our show. Remember we talked about tariffs in the
(38:28):
beginning of the show and what impact I can have
on the tech world and more importantly consumers out there.
And so I'm going to be talking about tariffs a lot.
I never thought that I would, but I am, especially
when it comes to the tech world and what it
means for tech innovation and more importantly, you guys out there,
the consumer when it comes to spending your money on tech.
(38:50):
So I'm going to be keeping my eye on that
and can't forget my chat with the Great Steven Yale.
So it's time for me to make it like a
tree and get out of here. But until next time,
do me a favor, Stay healthy, stay safe, and remember
I love y'all to life.
Speaker 2 (39:08):
Until next time, stay well. Everybody.
Speaker 1 (39:12):
In this world of technology, things are ever changing, rearranging.
Speaker 2 (39:17):
You need someone to help you out. I need someone
that can be alone. You'll be with Paul.
Speaker 1 (39:23):
I'm a day slaying in the tech zone.
Popular Podcasts
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.